Mt Warrigal mum says son banned from book parade

A mum who claims her son was barred from participating in his school’s book parade because he was ‘‘embarrassing’’ staged a protest outside the school on Thursday.

Kirsty Wilson and her five-year-old son Ryley, who attends the school’s support unit, stood outside Mount Warrigal Public School dressed in their Book Week costumes as the school day began.

Ryley has Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes chronic hunger and learning difficulties, as well as sleep apnoea.

Ms Wilson claims Ryley’s teacher told her he could not take part in the book parade because he would embarrass the assembly.

The Department of Education refuted the allegations.

‘‘After a recent escalation in antisocial and highly inappropriate behaviour at school by the student, the student’s special needs class teacher suggested to the family it may like to reconsider the student’s participation in the Book Week event,’’ a statement said.

‘‘At no time did the teacher say anything to the effect that the student was embarrassing or embarrassing to the school.’’

It said Ryley’s family agreed to the suggestion, which Ms Wilson disputes.

She said the conversation with the teacher took place when she picked Ryley up from school on Tuesday.

‘‘Her words were Ryley is too embarrassing, we don’t want to take him up there in front of other parents,’’ she said.

‘‘I find it very disturbing as a parent, to hear any child being called embarrassing, especially when he’s in a special unit.

‘‘I’m absolutely disgusted that it has come to this, but I need to do what’s best for my child.’’

Ms Wilson was joined by a small group of supporters during her protest.

She said Ryley had participated in other school events without issue and that while Ryley had some behavioural issues, they were isolated.

A meeting between Ms Wilson and the department has been scheduled for Friday.